^IXIC vs. TQQQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

^IXIC (NASDAQ Composite) is an index, while TQQQ (ProShares UltraPro QQQ) is Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (300%). Over the past 10 years, ^IXIC returned 18.55%/yr vs 45.44%/yr for TQQQ. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep.

Performance

^IXIC vs. TQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NASDAQ Composite (^IXIC) and ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ^IXIC achieves a 16.57% return, which is significantly lower than TQQQ's 65.71% return. Over the past 10 years, ^IXIC has underperformed TQQQ with an annualized return of 18.55%, while TQQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 45.44% annualized return.

^IXIC

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 7.88%
• YTD: 16.57%
• 6M: 15.72%
• 1Y: 40.80%
• 3Y*: 26.96%
• 5Y*: 14.76%
• 10Y*: 18.55%

TQQQ

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 33.57%
• YTD: 65.71%
• 6M: 58.23%
• 1Y: 145.30%
• 3Y*: 69.92%
• 5Y*: 29.86%
• 10Y*: 45.44%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

^IXIC vs. TQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
^IXIC NASDAQ Composite	16.57%	20.36%	28.64%	43.42%	-33.10%	21.39%	43.64%	35.23%	-3.88%	28.24%
TQQQ ProShares UltraPro QQQ	65.71%	34.35%	58.27%	198.04%	-79.09%	82.98%	110.05%	133.84%	-19.79%	118.06%

Correlation

The correlation between ^IXIC and TQQQ is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2010	0.98

The correlation between ^IXIC and TQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

^IXIC vs. TQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

^IXIC

^IXIC Risk / Return Rank: 79
^IXIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
^IXIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
^IXIC Omega Ratio Rank: 77
^IXIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
^IXIC Martin Ratio Rank: 78

TQQQ

TQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 75
TQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
TQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
TQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 68
TQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
TQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

^IXIC vs. TQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NASDAQ Composite (^IXIC) and ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	^IXIC	TQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	3.07	-0.54
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	3.19	+0.11
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.42	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.16	4.08	-0.92
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.35	13.38	-1.03
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

^IXIC vs. TQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ^IXIC Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is comparable to the TQQQ Sharpe Ratio of 3.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ^IXIC and TQQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	^IXIC	TQQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.53	3.07	-0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.45	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.69	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.74	-0.21

Drawdowns

^IXIC vs. TQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ^IXIC drawdown since its inception was -77.93%, roughly equal to the maximum TQQQ drawdown of -81.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ^IXIC and TQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	^IXIC	TQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.93%	-81.66%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.21%	-36.97%	+23.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.32%	-58.04%	+33.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.40%	-81.66%	+45.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.40%	-81.66%	+45.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.40%	-18.53%	-2.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	11.28%	-7.90%

Volatility

^IXIC vs. TQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for NASDAQ Composite (^IXIC) is 4.12%, while ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) has a volatility of 13.26%. This indicates that ^IXIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TQQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	^IXIC	TQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	13.26%	-9.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.10%	36.05%	-23.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.23%	47.63%	-31.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.44%	66.55%	-44.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.01%	65.98%	-43.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ^IXIC and TQQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, ^IXIC and TQQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ^IXIC or TQQQ?

TQQQ has higher volatility (13.26%) compared to ^IXIC (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ^IXIC dropped -77.93% vs TQQQ's -81.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.07 vs 2.53), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.